Justice Edwin Cameron delivers May 2021 Commencement address

Graduates during the 4:30 p.m. ceremony celebrate with family and friends.

On Saturday, May 1, 2021, Stetson University College of Law celebrated four commencement ceremonies recognizing graduates from the December 2020 and May/August 2021 Classes.

Four separate events held outdoors in the Plaza Mayor Courtyard of the Gulfport campus allowed for limited attendance to follow CDC guidelines on physical distancing. Other safety protocols included a face mask requirement for all attendees and wellness screenings prior to entering campus. Despite those changes, the ceremonies featured most other traditions, including a live bagpiper leading the procession and placement of the ceremonial mace.

South African judge and human rights lawyer, Edwin Cameron, delivered the commencement address via prerecorded video from Johannesburg. He shared his very personal journey with the law and discrimination in South Africa, as he dedicated his career to social justice issues, particularly for LGBTI equality and to destroy the stigma and unjust discrimination for those living with HIV/AIDs. Cameron noted the law can be a double-edged sword, used as an instrument of oppression to strip people of their rights and freedoms. Or, it can be used to secure rights, protect freedoms and afford dignity.

“As you enter the legal world today as bright, willing and engaged young lawyers, my message to you is double,” Cameron said. “First, use the law for good. And second, and more importantly, never lose faith in the capacity of the law to do justice. Use the law to defend, to vindicate, and to fight for the good. On this path, you will not only be useful to many others, but you will also find meaning, value and inspiration in your professional life as a lawyer.”

A student with a scales of justice mask.

Though he and his fellow students are just starting their careers, Student Bar Association President Corey Roberts said they had already learned something about adversity – as well as adaptability and achievement – during their unconventional final year.

“We all endured and made it through all of the challenges,” he said.

Roberts encouraged his classmates to write their own stories, do the right thing, enjoy the journey, and learn from their mistakes. With those guiding principles, everything else will fall into place.

This group of students has already shown a proclivity to “do the right thing,” logging 25,000 hours of community service during their law school years. Those donning blue cords during the ceremony were recipients of the Blews Award for pro bono service, denoting they had far exceeded the required number of hours, continuing to serve their communities and society.

Both Dean Michèle Alexandre and Stetson University President Dr. Christopher Roellke spoke during the event. Their speeches, along with the complete address from Justice Cameron, can be viewed in the recordings below.